Protesters try to run Rush Limbaugh off Grand Rapids airwaves for 'slut' comment

GRAND RAPIDS – When Rush Limbaugh called Sandra Fluke a “slut,” he similarly attacked women like Auna Harris and Laura Woodbury, Calvin College students who believe contraception should be available under health plans.

The pair were among a dozen protesters today who delivered letters to Clear Channel Communications' Grand Rapids offices, hoping that the controversial Limbaugh would be taken off WOOD-AM 1300 because of the Feb. 29 furor surrounding the Georgetown University student.

“Even if you agree with him, the words he uses are too crude,” said Woodbury, a junior studying political science. “It’s not something Grand Rapids should support.”

Harris, a senior majoring in environmental science and biology, said the talk show host's remarks have created a buzz on the conservative Christian Reformed Church campus. The sentiment varies between anger at Limbaugh and veiled support of his views, if not the way he made them.

“It’s not effective or appropriate what he’s said,” Harris said. “It’s degrading to every woman.”

Feagan, in an email to The Press, said he's responded to complaints with a message that states "WOOD Radio remains committed to providing its listeners with access to a broad range of opinion and commentary without condoning or agreeing with the opinions, comments or attempts at humor expressed by on-air talent."

"The contraception debate is one that sparks strong emotion and opinions on both sides of the issue," Feagan wrote. "We respect the right of Mr. Limbaugh, as well as the rights of those who disagree with him, to express those opinions."

The group stood outside the 77 Monroe Center Ave. building for about 30 minutes at the lunch hour, holding signs that said “Sluts vote,” “Dump Rush,” and a third that stated free speech does not equal hate speech.

Jim Talen, a Kent County Commissioner, took part in the protest. The Grand Rapids Democrat said even a media conglomerate like Clear Channel should have moral and ethical standards above Limbaugh’s content.

“He ought not to be given a bully pulpit to say anything like that,” Talen said. “The guy clearly has some issues in my mind. What’s sad is there are so many people who seem to adore him.”

The group largely admitted the protest was unlikely to drive Limbaugh’s program off the air locally, but they said similar messages are being sent across the country and 36 advertisers have pulled support from his show.

Limbaugh has apologized for the slurs against Fluke, who testified before Congress last month that contraception is rightfully included in health plans.